Les Kiss will take over as Wallabies head coach from Joe Schmidt next year as Australia finetunes for the 2027 Rugby World Cup it is hosting. Rugby Australia announced the appointment Wednesday, saying it provides an “orderly transfer” from Schmidt to Kiss between the British and Irish Lions tour this year and the next World Cup.

Les Kiss will become Wallabies head coach in July 2026 following Joe Schmidt's decision to oversee the British & Irish Lions series, after which he will exit the role. The next Wallabies coach will step into his role following the extension of Joe Schmidt's coaching period by nine months.

Les Kiss said he expected a seamless transition into the Wallabies coaching role when he succeeds New Zealander Joe Schmidt next July, little more than a year out from the 2027 World Cup on home soil.